Everly Brothers' Don Everly reflects on brother Phil's death

2 years ago

The Everly Brothers' Don Everly says that while "the world might be mourning an Everly Brother" with the passing of Phil Everly, he's grieving the loss of his actual brother.

In a statement to "People" magazine, the older half of the legendary sibling duo says he always thought he'd be "the one to go first." He adds that on Friday, just before he got the news, he'd been listening to one of his favorite songs that Phil wrote.

Don says he "had an extreme emotional moment," which he took as "a special spiritual message from Phil saying goodbye." He adds that while their relationship had some friction, their love for one another "was and will always be deeper than any Earthly differences" they might have had.

Don also says his family is "touched by all the tributes" they're seeing for Phil, and he's extending his thanks for allowing them "to grieve in private at this incredibly difficult time." Phil Everly died on Friday of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. He was 74.